Dieselgate: Indian Government Issues Notice to Volkswagen

Government of India is ready to issue notice to Volkswagen as the ARAI report, which was submitted yesterday, claims that "significant variations" have been noticed in on-road emission levels of several diesel cars. The diesel cars in question here are, apparently, Volkswagen Jetta, Skoda Octavia, Audi A4 and Audi A6. Just so you know, Volkswagen, itself, had admitted that 11 million cars of the group across the globe were carrying malicious software, fitted for manipulating emission tests.

"ARAI has found significant variations in the emission level in on-road vehicles as compared to the laboratory measurements. We are issuing a notice to Volkswagen Group of companies today to give technical inputs and explain their position. We will give them (Volkswagen) 15-21 days to reply to the notice. We are expecting a reply from them by month-end, with detailed technical inputs from their HQ in Germany," Ambuj Sharma, Additional Secretary, Heavy Industries Ministry told PTI. For those wondering, The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) provides technical expertise in R&D, testing, certification, homologation and framing of vehicle regulations.

When contacted, ARAI Director Rashmi Urdhwareshe said: "We had tested the exhaust in Volkswagen's on-road vehicles and found a significant difference in emission levels in comparison to the laboratory measurements. Significant variation has been found in models including Jetta, Octavia, Audi A4 and Audi A6 in particular. We are seeking a clarification from Volkswagen through the notice. We will decide the future course of action based on their reply and the technical inputs from their German Headquarters." Currently, Volkswagen is facing a fine of USD 18 billion in the US. Also, if convicted of any wrongdoing in India, the company could face criminal charges, with fine and recalling of vehicles.